What is the workflow or gui difference between Xpress DV and Xpress Pro?

[Michael Hancock]

I’m not an expert on Avid, and I’ve never used Avid DV, but I’ve worked on an Avid Media Composer Adrenaline, Avid FreeDV, and currently use Avid Xpress (not Xpress DV or Xpress Pro, just plain old Xpress, which as far as I can tell isn’t even sold anymore. Some one let me know, please, what the upgrade path is from Xpress to Xpress Pro is, if there is one). Back to the topic. The GUI was the same on all of them, you just don’t have all the features unlocked. Avid FreeDV will get you used to Modes (does FCP use modes? I’ve never played with it). Effects Mode, Edit Mode, Segment Mode, Trim Mode, etc… Go up to Avid Xpress and you get more effects, more video and audio tracks, and the grayed out items in the drop down list on FreeDV are available (if I remember right you can’t consolidate in FreeDV…can you even do a video or audio mixdown?). Anyhow, I’m assuming all Avid Xpress family interfaces are the same–one just gives you more power than the other. I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I’m wrong. Otherwise, call Avid and start asking questions. If you’re a potentional customer I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have.

Michael.

[Vinh]

Thanks Michael!

FCP doesn’t have any modes, everything is adjustable without having to enter different modes.

Would you say that Xpress is closer to Xpress Pro or Xpress DV? Is Xpress pretty much the same as the Adrenaline minus more tracks and more real time effects? Would you say that if I bought Xpress DV, the transistion to a higher Avid wouldn’t be much of a hassle?

I’ll contact Avid for more info. Thank you for your help.

[Michael Hancock]

From what I can tell, Xpress is right between XpressDV and Xpress Pro. I haven’t looked at the price difference between the two, but if you can, I’d go with Xpress Pro. From what I understand it now comes with a free (I think) or very cheap upgrade to Xpress Pro HD, which if even if you aren’t using right now would be a great option to have. The Adrenaline was an awesome machine. Unfortunately, I wasn’t at the company long enough to learn the full potential of it, but it’s ability for real-time effects, the Boris Continuum Complete plug-ins, and marquee titling were great. Of course, now Xpress Pro comes with Marquee. Things are getting faster, more powerful, and all while dropping in price. The move from XpressDV and/or Xpress Pro to a Media Composer Adrenaline should be smooth. If you go with the Xpress Pro, though, definitely spring for the Mojo. It will make life much easier–more real time effects, the ability to mix uncompressed with compressed video (I think), faster renders and an all around beefier and better system. Marquee takes some getting used to, but makes 3D titling a snap once you get the hang of it. One more thing–the Adrenaline doesn’t limit your video or audio tracks. With the Xpress I work on now I’m limited to eight, so I find myself collapsing video tracks a lot and having to do audio mixdowns, which is painful if you have change anything. On the Adrenaline there were times we would be looking at 25 to 40 tracks of video and it roared through them like hot knife through butter. I’ve never used FCP (I’d like to, though, to see what the hype is about), but I love my Avid. I learned on it, and it suits my needs perfectly. Definitely call Avid, and ask about setting up a demonstration. Hope this helps.

Michael.

[Vinh]

Thanks Michael.

Avid Xpress DV is $395 while Xpress Pro is $1695. I think the DV is eight tracks while the Pro is 24. I really interested in learning Avid since I’ve used FCP for five years now and Avid still dominates the market. I don’t know if I can justify paying 4x as much for more real-time effects. I just wanna learn the real interface and most commonly used features.

If the features in DV is good enought to eventually hop on an Adrenaline, I’ll spring for that, just as a learning tool.

[Hal Beery]

Yes, I”m curious too. I have experienced very funky transitions in fcp. flickering and waves of pixels moving across the screen that are extremely exagerated even in the more expensive encoding in la la land. I’m curios if Avid can do transitions between dark and light clips and skies more smoothly than fcp. If so, it will be the begining of a new love affair.

tnx for any comments on the transition experience in avidland

halb

[Nick B]

‘I have experienced very funky transitions in fcp. flickering and waves of pixels moving across the screen ‘

That is not FCP it must be your system or wrong settings

[Vinh]

I never personally had that problem in FCP. Only thing that I can think of is that your sequence setting or setting to your external monitor is conflicting. Could also be if you change sequence setting and had old render files?

I see job posting in both in FCP and Avid. I just don’t wanna be left out of the loop because I didn’t know the right editing system and someone else just as qualified did.

[Carl Amoscato]

“If the features in DV is good enought to eventually hop on an Adrenaline, I’ll spring for that, just as a learning tool.”

Hi Vinh,

I’ve edited on Xpress DV, Xpress, Xpress Pro and Media Composer and Media Composer Adrenaline. There are small differences between them that might take a few hours to get used to, but if you can run one of them, you can run them all.

If you just want to buy one to learn the interface, then you’ll do fine with Xpress DV.

good luck,
Carl

[Vinh]

Thanks Carl!

So I assume if you put experience with Avid Xpress DV on your resume for an apprentice editor, it’s not gonna look too different than putting Xpress Pro correct? If they similar enough to pick up in a few hours, that should be better than having only Final Cut Pro experience I assume?

[Alex Udell]

Diversity is always better.

AMU

Alex Udell
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